Preview: Tottenham Hotspur v Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace play their first Premier league match at Wembley Stadium as they come up against Tottenham Hotspur at their temporary home for the Sunday lunchtime kick-off at 12noon.

Roy Hodgson’s side go into the match on the back of two unbeaten home games and only a narrow defeat at Newcastle United a fortnight ago.

The Eagles have struggled on the road this season as they still look for their first point and goal away from Selhurst in top flight matches but they do play at a venue on Sunday where they hold fond memories, three matches at the new Wembley have seen Palace leaving as winners on two occasions.

Tottenham Attention Turns Back To Premier League

This past midweek has seen the Champions league triumph over Real Madrid as the north London side secured their place in the last 16 of the competition.

Mauricio Pochettino’s side are currently third in the Premier League with 20 points from their opening 10 games of the season. Having only lost just one at home and that was in their first league game at Wembley in August when they lost 2-1 to Chelsea.

Away from their European form they have lost just one in their last five games but Tottenham have lost four Premier League home games against sides starting the day bottom of the division.

Pochettino has also never seen his side concede at home to Crystal Palace in the league, during his time at Southampton and Spurs.

“We must be focused and understand work hard to get another good result on Sunday. It’s always difficult to play Wednesday to Sunday. The effort was massive.

“We must be ready for a very tough game. Crystal Palace have a very good team. They changed manager, but we know Roy Hodgson very well. We had a good relationship with him from the national team. They are always organised. It will demand a lot of energy.

“Crystal Palace is another final for us,” he said. “After our defeat against Man United, it’s so important to win again in the Premier League.

“We know very well in football, we must keep our feet on the ground. All the games are so important and tough. You cannot be relaxed when you compete in this game.”

Team News

The midweek celebrations did come at a cost fitness wise for Tottenham as both Hugo Lloris (groin) and Toby Alderweireld, (hamstring) have to miss Sunday due to injuries suffered in Wednesday’s game.

Victor Wanyama is still missing from action with a knee injury and Erik Lamela remains unavailable for selection.

Mamadou Sakho and James McArthur could both be ready to return after injury having trained this week following their absence with injury in the 2-2 draw with West Ham United.

A late decision will be made on the fitness of defender Patrick Van Aanholt after he had to leave the match last weekend with a hamstring injury.

Matchday Officials

Kevin Friend has been named the match referee for this game and this season he has taken charge of ten matches, five in the top flight including Palace’s game at Anfield in August.